Gastonia, N.C.-based Sans Technical Fibers LLC — a manufacturer of nylon filament and yarns, and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of South Africa-based AECI Ltd. — has announced plans to expand its
Stoneville, N.C., plant. The company will invest more than $2.8 million to increase plant capacity
to 8,000 metric tons per year. Production will concentrate on low-shrinkage, high-tenacity products
from 60 to 630 deniers using a variety of specialized polymers. Primary end-uses for the filaments
and yarns include sewing threads, automotive timing belts, cure wrapping tapes, and narrow and
broad woven items for military applications. The new capacity is expected to be online by the end
of third-quarter 2010. According to President Zach Zacharias, Sans Technical will use in-house
technology as well as modern equipment transferred from a closed plant in South Africa for the
expansion.
“We are extremely pleased to announce this expansion, which will ensure that we maintain our
position as the premier supplier to the global nylon 6,6 sewing thread market,” Zacharias said.
“Most of the capacity from this cost-effective expansion will be exported into Europe, South
America and Asia.”
The investment will be aided by a One North Carolina Fund grant of $60,000. The fund offers
financial assistance to businesses through local governments to draw business projects to the state
to boost economic activity and create jobs.
December 8, 2009
